RESTAURANTS • First Word
The Skinny: Popular all-day eatery Highly Likely has opened a sophomore location in Highland Park. As is the case at the West Adams original, there’s all day counter service. The key differentiator here is that dinner is on, with full service to boot.
The Vibe: Interiors check all the (Instagram) boxes: wood-paneled walls, giant globe lights, a diner-inspired counter. But the real draw is outside, in the form of a sun-drenched, sprawling backyard patio with sultry, tree-diffused lighting at night.
The Food: During the day, chicken and (black sesame) waffles served with miso-honey butter seem to be on every table. Also on offer: cheekily-named riffs on standards (“ubiquitous avo toast,” “fattoushy” salad). The dinner menu builds in pastas and proteins, including pappardelle Bolognese, a “seedy” schnitzel speckled with sesame and caraway, and a very good burger. Cocktails also run all day, with riffs on classics and originals, like the mezcal-based Tropical with bacanora, charanda, and apple-ginger tepache.
The Verdict: Day or night, Highly Likely HLP is ideal for a catchup or a casual date, especially for those seeking an unfussy al fresco crowd pleaser. –Kelly Dobkin (photo: Evan Robinson)
→ Highly Likely (Highland Park) • 5526 N. Figueroa St. • All day + dinner Tues.-Sun. • Reserve (large groups only).